Ancient Greek - AR Drachm - (Medusa) - Circa 450-400 BCE

Denomination: AR Drachm                                               

Mint: Apollonia, Pontika, Thrace 

Date: 450-400 BCE                                                                   

Weight: 2.4 gm  

Grade: Very Fine                                         

Mount: 14K Gold

Description: Obverse: Head of Gorgon Medusa facing, tongue protruding, serpents around head. Reverse: The anchor with a crawfish. 

History: In Greek mythology Gorgons were female and known for their terrifying appearance, including snakes for hair and the ability to turn men into stone. The most famous of the Gorgons was Medusa, who was mortal and beheaded by Perseus. The other two Gorgons, Steno and Euryale, were immortal. 

As the Greek culture spread far and settled in different settlements some became powerful city states called a Polis. One such Polis as Apollonia Pontika.  It became one of the most powerful ports of the ancient Bronze Age.

The anchor and was the power symbol of the ancient world.  Located on the coast of the Black Sea, in now modern day Bulgaria, the Apollians began minting coins in the 6th century BCE. This coin is the Gorgon and the Anchor, uniting the powerful symbols of protection and strength. 

Medusa